. >>> the obama administration tightening its ties to syria's main opposition group. the u.s. is expected to recognize the new opposition council as the only legitimate representative of the syrian people at an international conference in morocco. britain and france, they've already extended full recognition to that coalition. >>> well, secretary of state, hillary clinton, was supposed to represent the u.s. tomorrow at the friends of syria meeting in mow co but she has a -- morocco but she has a stomach flu. >>> congress is scheduled to break for the holidays this friday. as alison burns reports from our washington, d.c. newsroom, both parties have their sticking points. alison? >> reporter: tori, the pressure is on. members of congress are back this morning after a long weekend. and in just about 15 minutes, democrats will be speaking out about the fiscal cliff saying medicaid should not be subject to cuts. in the past 48 hours since president obama and john boehner met face to face, no details on the discussions have -- have been released. the president said he's willing to